Greener Pastures

Pet loss plucks at the heart strings of many. Whether you lost your first pet gold fish or your are a long time commercial farmer who lost 1 our of 1,000 chickens, coping with the loss is a skillful practice we all face at one time or another.

For me personally, we lost a long time friend and rescue this past week. My husband’s horse was one in a million, not only was he my husbands first horse but he was a welcoming soul to all the creatures that pass through this farm. Moose was a formerly an Amish plow horse and it was at this point he sustained spinal damage and deformation from pulling too much weight. The scaring of his shoulders and neck told the story of how he wore a heavy collar and between sweat and dirt he was rubbed raw. The scars were indicative of years of neglect. Later, he was sold at auction and purchased by a trail riding company. The trial riding group was not what one would consider horse savvy. After the main care taker sustained injuries that left her hospitalized Moose and many others were prisoners of the barn. They lived nearly a year in one of two positions- standing or laying down there was not room to even turn around. Water was offered every other to every two days and food the same. Starvation was an understatement. The day we learned of horses needing a home we went to take a look since my husband was looking for his own horse. We had no idea what we were walking into. Garbage, debris, dead birds, and no water. Another horse was hidden by a tarp (i thought it was dead). We went for one and came home with two; Moose and his buddy, a 5 month old foal named Simon.

The day we picked them up was the first they had seen sunlight in months.

Once home, Moose found comfort in a freshly bedded stall with 2 buckets of water I filled up every few hours. I treated a large wound on his leg that was bordering sepsis. He grew stronger and was approved by our veterinarian, safe to ride without causing further injury or pain. He healed well, ate well, drank well and most of all loved unconditionally.

There is a moment when you save an animal that gratitude in an expression is so clear. Moose showed that every day. He was the care taker of our very, very old horse I saved years ago and he was a tolerant “big brother” to a very young souled Simon, who insisted moose was a chew toy. Best of all he was safe and easy to manage. My husband was able to spent the last 7 years learning to ride and care for moose, loving on him and being the keeper of his secrets.

It is not quite yet 1 week and we are still coping with such a great and sudden loss. We all experience a great loss at one time or another and taking the time to recognize our emotions and realize our sadness is justified is a huge part of the loss process.

Through the years of having pets and raising livestock of all kinds I keep a memento from everyone. Its a tangible memory that I can hold and visit with if needed. Our memories are what keeps their spirits alive and our hearts fondly full. Our loss of Moose is painful and he touched the lives of many but we move forward knowing his spirit is at peace. In the last 7 years with us he napped in the sunshine, his hay pile was always full, his grass green and lush and he knew the affection of a great and kind man.

Rest In Peace Moose. Your memory and spirit is eternally free and full of sun shine!